Nine years after making her debut for Northern Districts’ women’s side, Nensi Patel has taken the next step in her career by earning her first international cap for New Zealand. Her debut came alongside Kayley Knight — the daughter of one of Patel’s former team-mates.
Although only 23, Patel has long been a familiar presence in the Northern Districts lineup. When she was just 14, she shared the crease for ND with Melinda Knight, the mother of Kayley Knight.
Now 22, Kayley also made her international debut in the same series as Patel against Zimbabwe.
Both players progressed through the Northern Districts system together, and Patel described sharing the milestone as something particularly memorable.
“It was something we both have dreamed about – to play for New Zealand – and to be given the opportunity to do that together, at our home ground, Seddon Park, it was awesome.”
Patel does not recall many details from batting alongside Melinda Knight nearly a decade ago, but she enjoyed catching up with the Knight family in Hamilton following the series.
Return to the White Ferns environment
While Patel received her first playing cap this year, she had previously been involved with the White Ferns setup. She was contracted during the 2022–23 season but did not feature in an international match.
When White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer called to inform her that she had been selected in the squad for three T20Is and three ODIs against Zimbabwe this summer, the moment brought back memories of her earlier selection.
“It was kind of reliving when I’d been first contracted, that coming back around to be able to play was amazing,” the right-handed all-rounder says.
Her debut at Seddon Park came with strong support from family and friends, with her parents, aunt, uncle and many teammates present in the crowd.
“The Seddon crowd was amazing, when I came on to bowl that first over, they sort of just erupted in cheers and I was sort of taken aback at how loud that was, but it was amazing to hear them.”
Working on her game
Time away from the national setup proved challenging, but Patel focused on improving her game, with guidance from Northern Brave women’s head coach Peter Borren playing a key role.
“The way Pete coaches me is having that positive aspect to my batting, whether that’s running out, always looking to strike the ball well, running really hard, just to score from ball one, backing my strengths,” Patel explains.
“I’ve worked on a few different shots, I’ve bought in the sweep, which is something I didn’t have in my game, and I think that’s really helped me against spin. The scoop shot, that’s been quite useful this year against the pacies [pace bowlers], just giving me that extra boundary option to score runs, just always looking productive at the crease.”
Patel has yet to bat for the White Ferns, with New Zealand dominating the T20Is and not needing more than three batters in those matches. Instead, she has mainly contributed as a specialist bowler, taking two wickets in the second T20I and three in the third.
“I’ve worked on my arm ball, that’s been a good addition to my variations, just changing up my pace and knowing when to use that is something I’m still continuing to work on.
“And being in this environment, having chats with Melie [captain Melie Kerr], it’s been helpful to figure out and trust my instincts as well. She’s been a big help during this past week, so it’s been awesome to bounce ideas off her.”
A proud milestone
Born in Gujarat, Patel moved to New Zealand when she was six years old and has now become the first Indian-born player to represent the White Ferns. She only became aware of that distinction recently but says it is something she is proud of.
“Being the first Indian, I can encourage younger generations to keep pushing and develop their games, or whatever they aspire to do.
“And be that inspiration for them, and any young kids, whatever background they come from, just to make sure that they keep working to achieve their dreams and goals, cause it can happen.”
Patel also hopes to one day play cricket in India, where much of her extended family lives and hopes to see her play in person.
She travelled to the Six Academy in India last year for a training camp, an experience she credits with helping her improve her skills. The trip was arranged with Debu Banik, who has previously worked with Northern Districts and served as bowling consultant for the Zimbabwe women’s team during their New Zealand tour.
“The coaches there were amazing, they helped out a lot, so it’s a big thank you to them as well,” Patel says of her return to the White Ferns setup.
Family support and cricketing journey
Patel also credits her family for the sacrifices that helped her pursue cricket from a young age.
“My dad used to play and my uncle used to play and they kind of gave up playing so they could take me to my morning game and then my afternoon game. They’ve really supported and backed me during this journey.
“And my mum and aunty, they’ve also been a big support, everyone that’s been a part of this journey, various coaches I’ve had over the years.”
During the Super Smash, Patel has also been spotted in the stands making crowd catches, something that has become a running joke among teammates.
“I get asked this quite a lot,” Patel laughs, with her team-mates teasing her about it.
“As long as I can catch the ones on the field I’m happy.”
With an impressive caught-and-bowled effort in the third T20I, Patel has already shown she is capable of doing exactly that.
